Duchess of Sussex Meghan Markle announces she is pregnant

Kensington Palace have announced that The Duchess of Sussex is expecting a baby next spring.

The palace tweeted: “Their Royal Highnesses have appreciated all of the support they have received from people around the world since their wedding in May and are delighted to be able to share this happy news with the public.”

Harry and Meghan, Duke and Duchess of Sussex during their visit to Chichester. Pic Steve Robards

The Royal couple made their first tour of Sussex at the start of this month.

Susan Pyper, Lord-Lieutenant of West Sussex said: “I was delighted to hear today’s announcement that Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are expecting a baby next spring.

“This is wonderful, heart-warming news.

“Their Royal Highnesses made a deep impression on their recent visit to Sussex and undoubtedly captured the affections not just of those who were fortunate to meet them, but many others in the county.

“On behalf of everyone in West Sussex, it gives me great pleasure to send warmest and most sincere congratulations to the Duke and Duchess at this time of great happiness for them both.”

Mr Lionel Barnard, Chairman of West Sussex County Council, said: “I am delighted to hear the news this morning that the Duchess of Sussex is expecting her first child. I was very impressed that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex made their first visit to West Sussex earlier this month, and we were very keen to show to them both the copy of the American Declaration of Independence. We thank them for coming to West Sussex and wish them every happiness with their first born.”

They are currently on a tour of Australia, Fiji, Tonga and New Zealand.